By: Jheri Hardaway (formerly Ms. Jheri Worldwide)
Staff Writer
Former Rolesville High School Principal Ericka Ruffin Lucas, 56, is dead after being shot in Wake Forest. She was not the intended target. Her life was tragically cut short by two members of our community's youth. Principal Lucas opened Rolesville High in 2013, proudly led its first graduating class, and dedicated her life to giving students a future. She believed every child mattered, which makes the loss of her life that much more unconscionable.
Our community is grieving and intensely saddened by the lack of conversation around this local tragedy. More people should be discussing this senseless loss to the Wake Forest-Roseville and greater triangle community. As an educator, Ericka Ruffin Lucas inspired and directed countless children during their matriculation through Wake County schools. This loss is immense.
Dexter Lamont Mills and his 16-year-old cousin face charges in connection with the shooting of Lucas, who was shot on Aug. 29 at a home on East Nelson Avenue in Wake Forest. The alleged murder weapon was a stolen gun. Lucas died from her injuries approximately a week after the incident. We will continue to monitor this story and offer our prayers to the family.
